Social Media Coordinator

Social Media Coordinator

Jonathan Ball Publishers is looking for a Local Social Media Coordinator to manage and grow our social media presence for local books and authors across our English and Afrikaans lists.

This role is ideal for someone who is creative, digitally savvy, and passionate about social media, books and storytelling. The successful candidate will understand social media trends and the South African digital landscape, and will be confident in finding fresh, engaging ways to connect readers with South African books and authors.

The ideal candidate will be fluent in English and Afrikaans, have a strong understanding of the local social media landscape, and be confident creating content that resonates with diverse reading communities.

Key responsibilities:

• Manage and grow Jonathan Ball’s local social media presence across English- and Afrikaans-speaking audiences.
• Plan and maintain a forward-looking social media content calendar across Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and other relevant platforms.
• Develop and publish engaging, social-first content, including Reels, TikToks, Stories, carousels and static posts.
• Write social media copy in English and Afrikaans that is engaging, accurate and tailored to each platform.
• Identify relevant social media trends and adapt them creatively to promote local books and authors.
• Attend selected author events, launches and other relevant industry events.
• Coordinate social media collaborations, giveaways and campaigns.
• Manage community engagement and help build active online communities around Jonathan Ball’s local books and authors.
• Write, compile and distribute newsletters featuring new releases, priority titles, author news, events and campaigns.
• Support the local influencer and Bookstagram programme, including creator outreach, book mail-outs and campaign follow-up.
• Design social media and digital assets for campaigns and promotional activity.
• Support the promotion of Pagecast and other Jonathan Ball content across relevant platforms.
• Monitor social media performance and compile monthly reports, providing key insights and recommendations.

Job Requirements:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and Afrikaans.
• Strong copywriting, proofreading and storytelling skills.
• Good working knowledge of Instagram, Facebook and TikTok, with an understanding of how audiences engage differently across each platform.
• Strong understanding of social media trends and the South African digital landscape.
• Basic video filming and editing skills using mobile content-creation tools.
• A creative thinker with a strong eye for engaging, social-first content.
• Excellent planning, organisational and time-management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, titles and deadlines simultaneously.
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy and brand consistency.
• Confident relationship-building and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with a wider marketing and publishing team.
• A genuine interest in books, publishing, and South African stories and culture.

Those who meet the requirements of the post and are interested in applying for this position may apply on the Media24 career portal by clicking on the following link https://media24.simplify.hr/vacancy/fkzrzo

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 31 August 2026

Only short-listed candidates will be interviewed. Applicants who have not received a reply within two weeks of the closing date may assume that their application has been unsuccessful.

We reserve the right not to fill this position at this time should a suitable candidate not be found.

Given our employment equity guidelines, preference will be given to suitable candidates from the designated groups.